Aidan: The Rescue
Indie Rebels, Book 5
Miranda P. Charles
MPC Romance Publishing
Copyright © 2020 by Miranda P. Charles
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, locations, organisations and events described in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination, fictitious or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to any event, locale or person, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
Cover art by Dar Albert, Wicked Smart Designs.
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
The Unwilling Executive Extract
Also by Miranda P. Charles
About the Author
Chapter 1
If there was one thing that never got old for Aidan Radcliffe, it was watching criminals’ shocked faces while masked individuals in all-black outfits interrupted their crime. During these surprise operations by the Indie Rebels, some goons surrendered without a fight. Others, like this idiot who’d been in the process of robbing his elderly victim for the fourth time, tried to run.
Justin Shapiro, the Indie Rebel initiate Aidan had been training, caught the perp and cuffed him without a problem even though the man was bigger than Justin and had put up a struggle.
“Fucking IRs,” the crook hissed. “How did you know I was here?”
Aidan smirked. While the guy tried to look tough, he heard the fear in his voice.
This was the end for this serial armed robber who’d been eluding the police. His luck had run out, and the Sydneysiders he’d been victimising, including Justin’s grandfather, could feel safe again in their own homes.
“Thank you so much,” Justin’s grandfather said, his eyes wide. “My name’s Glenn. I’m so happy to see you.”
“You’re welcome,” Aidan answered. “This guy here is a wanted man. We’ll tie him up real well and leave him in your yard for the police to pick up. Is that okay with you?”
Glenn nodded. “I’ve read about you, and I know you can’t stay. But I’ll make sure I tell the police it’s the Indie Rebels who saved me from this guy, even though they probably won’t be happy to hear that.”
“No,” Aidan said with a chuckle. “They prefer to do the catching themselves.”
“Have you been following him?” Glenn gestured to their prisoner. “Is that why I’m lucky enough that the two of you turned up at the right time tonight?”
“Yes.”
“Take their masks off, old man,” the thug taunted. “Be the hero and find out who these fucking IRs are.”
Glenn threw him a derisive glance.
“Let’s take care of him so you can call the police,” Aidan said.
Glenn nodded.
Aidan and Justin made quick work of binding the robber’s arms and legs and put duct tape across his mouth. Then, they half-carried, half-dragged him to the yard before waving goodbye to Glenn. They hurried back to a black IR-owned sedan that Justin had parked in a darkened alleyway.
“Thanks, Aidan,” Justin said. “I’m so relieved my granddad is now safe from that fucker.”
Aidan patted his student on the back. “You did very well. And your granddad had absolutely no idea it was you. Keep it that way, okay?”
Justin nodded. “Can I drive you somewhere?”
“No, I’m fine. My car’s around the corner. I’m gonna go back to my friend’s party.”
“Sorry I had to ruin your night. As soon as I saw that idiot turn onto Granddad’s street, I had to call you for assistance. I didn’t think you’d come yourself. I thought you’d send someone else.”
“Not a problem,” Aidan said with a chuckle. “I was close enough. Plus, it was a great time for me to watch you in action. You’re progressing well with your training.”
“Glad you think so. Thanks again. And I’ll wait for your call regarding any new assignment you want to give me.”
“Sure. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.”
“You, too.”
Aidan watched Justin drive away before returning to his car. He got into the back and took off his mask. Then, he changed to the smart casual clothes he’d been wearing at the birthday party. Aidan checked the alley to ensure it was empty before moving to the front and driving away.
Luckily, he hadn’t needed to explain to Isla Morgan, the birthday girl, and the other IRs celebrating with her as to why he’d had to leave the party abruptly. They knew that, as a senior agent and team leader, he was always on call.
He might be quizzed by the non-IR guests about his disappearance, though. But he’d already asked Isla to give the excuse that a relative from overseas, currently staying with him, had locked himself out of the house.
Was Felicity wondering if he was coming back to the party?
Aidan scoffed. He should stop thinking of Isla’s best friend already. Felicity Sebastian wasn’t an Indie Rebel. He couldn’t date her.
Damn. What a pity that was, because Felicity also found him attractive. She’d been so cute, tentatively flirting with him, clearly not wanting to be obvious. Still, Felicity hadn’t seemed able to stop herself from glancing at him constantly.
“So what? You can’t flirt back,” he muttered with a sigh.
Felicity intrigued him so much, having heard a lot about her through Isla. By all accounts, Felicity was a passionate person who made it her mission to help domestic violence victims gain confidence and find their self-worth though the New Again furniture revamping workshops that she ran once a week. She did so much for those women, knowing firsthand what they were going through.
Thankfully, Felicity’s abusive ex-boyfriend was now serving time in jail for breaching an apprehended violence order as well as arson for torching Felicity’s car. With the way Felicity had picked herself up and helped others since that time, Aidan understood why Isla was so proud of her.
Aidan had always loved meeting inspiring people, and he’d wanted to meet Felicity since hearing about her. Actually, he’d wanted to meet her since he’d laid eyes on a photo Isla had shown him months ago.
Today, it had happened. And she was more beautiful in person.
Thank God he was good at hiding his interest towards women who could not, under any circumstances, know about his secret identity as an Indie Rebel. Yes, it was always disappointing when he had to pretend he wasn’t keen. But he of all people understood the risks in breaking the IRs’ number one rule: that only an Indie Rebel could know the identity of another Indie Rebel. It was, and would always be, a matter of life and death if they broke it. With every criminal organisation trying to hunt down Indie Rebels, and with the police considering them an unneeded, unwanted vigilante group, Rule Number One was their biggest and most important protection.
He had to admit, though, that he found Felicity more captivating than any other girl who’d
caught his attention. Not that that made any difference. His resolve to not date non-IRs was stronger than his attraction to Felicity.
Right?
Right! Of course! How could he even think of questioning that?
Shaking his head, he turned on the radio and drove back to Isla and Kallan’s house.
Soon, he was walking towards the couple’s front door. Isla’s surprise party, which had started at lunchtime, appeared to still be in full swing late into the night.
Great! He’d been having a wonderful time before he’d received the call from Justin. Hopefully, he wouldn’t get any other urgent messages from anyone.
He rang the doorbell, ready to rejoin the celebrations.
Kallan Keegan opened the door. “Hey, you’re back! Everything okay?”
“Yup. It all went smoothly. What did I miss?”
“More partying,” Kallan said with a laugh, clapping a hand on his shoulder to lead him back inside. “I thought it was winding down when I proposed to Isla. We’re glad that everyone’s happy to keep celebrating.”
Aidan chuckled as he followed Kallan to the open-plan living area at the back.
His breath hitched. Ah, there was Felicity. The short-haired brunette with the loveliest hazel eyes was carrying a tray of sliced birthday cake. God, she was so stunning that he found himself stopping to watch her offer the dessert to the guests.
As she got closer, Felicity spotted him—and seemed to trip on something.
Aidan’s eyes widened as time seemed to go in slow motion before speeding up again. There was no way he could stop what was about to happen, so he braced himself, holding up his arms to try to prevent Felicity from crashing into him.
Felicity tried valiantly to regain her balance. Probably realising she’d hit him with the tray or, perhaps, desperate to arrest her momentum, she dropped her load. Dessert plates broke, forks clanged, and pieces of cake splattered on the hardwood floor. Despite her efforts, Felicity still ended up with her face planted right on Aidan’s chest.
Heat travelled throughout Aidan’s body as he helped Felicity to her feet.
Red-faced, Felicity looked at him. “I’m so sorry.”
“No worries,” he said, keeping a hand on her arm. “You okay?”
Felicity gulped audibly, nodding.
Isla rushed over to them. “Are you okay, Fel?” she asked as other guests swarmed in, also expressing concern.
“I’m okay, everyone. Thank you. Did anyone get cake on them?”
There was a chorus of no.
Felicity stared in dismay at the mess on the floor. Turning to Isla, she said, “Just when your party’s almost over, I had to go and create a ruckus. I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Isla said, sweeping her gaze over her friend from head to foot. “What happened?”
“I don’t know. I just…” Felicity shrugged.
Aidan suppressed a smile. He could swear that Felicity had tripped because she’d caught him looking at her.
Argh, such a damned shame that he couldn’t let Felicity think he could be a potential boyfriend, especially when every cell in his body responded to this woman’s close proximity. Even his heartbeat refused to slow down.
“I’ll get a broom,” Felicity murmured, stepping away from him.
Isla shook her head. “It’s okay. My darling fiancé’s already on top of it. See? Thank you, honey,” she said to Kallan, who’d been quick to grab a broom and a dustpan.
Kallan sent Felicity a curious glance. “You okay, Fel? What did you trip on?”
Felicity let out an embarrassed laugh as she walked towards the mess. “My own feet, I guess. Let me help. Aunt Nadine, I’ll take that,” she said to Isla’s mother, who was holding a rag.
“I got this,” Nadine said.
But Felicity was quick to snatch the cloth away from Nadine. “I’ll do it.”
“Okay,” Nadine said with a sigh.
Aidan crossed his arms, unable to keep from watching Felicity as she helped Kallan clean the floor.
“Don’t tell her I told you she finds you hot,” Isla whispered. “She’ll kill me.”
“No, of course I won’t tell her,” he promised.
“She’d be mortified that she tripped when she saw you looking at her.”
Aidan glanced at Isla. “You were watching?”
“I just happened to notice you staring at her. Why, by the way, when you told me earlier you’re not interested?” Isla asked teasingly.
“Don’t push it,” he said in a warning tone.
“I won’t. I already told her you’re not boyfriend material. You’re married to your job as an IT consultant—just like Kerrod. She understands what that means because she knows my dear future brother-in-law quite well,” Isla said with a laugh. “So, basically, I made her think you’re an anti-commitment guy who’s only into casual relationships and one-night stands.”
“Why, thanks,” he said dryly.
“Sorry, but I had to give her an explanation that would turn her off after you guys kept exchanging looks. For the record, Aidan, Fel doesn’t do casual. And don’t give me the crap about not being interested in her. Why lie to me when I know this is all about you being an IR? I’m with you about not dating her. It’s definitely not a good idea.”
He sighed. “Yeah.”
“You know, I’ve thought about asking you to put in a good word to the chiefs about letting Fel know that Kallan and I are IRs, but I changed my mind. She’s such a worrywart that she’d worry about us morning, noon, and night.”
Aidan nodded. As Indie Rebels, they certainly didn’t live a quiet life. Sometimes he wondered why he continued to put himself in danger working for a covert, crime-fighting group, especially one unsanctioned by authorities.
But that thought didn’t occur to him very often. Being an Indie Rebel gave him a purpose in life, and he was great at being one.
Kallan glanced their way as he finished sweeping the floor, and Aidan didn’t miss the loving smile he sent to Isla.
Aidan’s lips curved up. For whatever reason, he always ended up mentoring IR initiates who fell in love with women connected to the cases they worked on, with those women eventually becoming Indie Rebels themselves. Lucky dudes. Apart from Kallan, there were three other guys right here in Isla’s party fortunate enough to have had the loves of their lives also join the IRs. He scanned the room until his gaze landed on Xavier with Eve, then Jaxon with Holly, and Bryce with Emma. Yes, they’d met their respective partners in dangerous situations, but Aidan had never seen happier, more in-love couples than these people. He guessed that having to depend upon each other for their safety, and watching each others’ backs during assignments, served to strengthen their relationships.
He hadn’t had the same luck. None of the women he’d been interested in—and now he had to add Felicity to the count—had had a need for the Indie Rebels and couldn’t possibly had been initiated into the group. He couldn’t help but feel just a little envious.
“So,” Isla said, “you’ve said before that you became an IR when you were only fifteen. I assume, then, that you’ve never dated a non-IR?”
“I have. Twice.”
“Really? Were they serious?”
“I was young and stupid.” He didn’t bother to tell Isla that in his twenty years of being an Indie Rebel, those were the only two times he’d been in love.
“When did the second one end?”
“Over six years ago.”
“Right. So you’ve only been dating IRs since then?”
“No. To be honest, I haven’t met an IR who interests me. More to the point, there are hardly any female IRs who are still single.”
Isla’s brows rose. “So you haven’t dated anyone in six years?”
“Define dating.”
Isla laughed. “So, I was actually right when I told Fel you’re a one-night stand man. I didn’t exactly lie to her, did I?”
Aidan snickered. He wasn’t prepared to share an
y more details of his pathetic dating life with Isla right now. Most of all, he didn’t want this perceptive woman to discover how empty he’d felt from watching the likes of her and Kallan fall for each other and grow more in love as days passed.
“If I’d known you’d be interrogating me,” he said dryly, “I wouldn’t have picked this day to tell you that you and Kallan have passed initiation. Then, I wouldn’t have been here today, because I still wouldn’t have been able to show my face to you. Can’t be attending a party with my mask on.” Truthfully, though, revealing what he looked like to the graduates always gave him a thrill. He invariably got very close to all the initiates he mentored. He considered them friends—family, actually—well before they were allowed to discover what he looked like.
Isla gave him a hug. “Aw, did I push a button? Sorry. You know that after over a year of us working closely together, I’m so thrilled that we can now see you without a mask on and wearing something else than our all-black outfit. You couldn’t have given me a better birthday present. Plus, I now see how good-looking you are. No wonder Fel’s so smitten.”
“But she’s not an IR,” he said with a wry chuckle, reminding Isla and himself of the unfortunate situation.
“Well, I’m sure there’s a single IR who’ll eventually take your fancy. It’s a pity it won’t be my best friend.”
Aidan sighed. Yes, it was a pity.
His phone rang with an incoming call, and he fished it out of his trousers pocket. Chief 2, the screen said.
“Hope that’s nothing serious,” Isla said. “If you need any of us here, let me know.”
“Thanks. But I won’t be asking you and Kallan to do anything tonight, that’s for sure.” As he walked towards the front door to take the call outside, he passed Felicity.
Aidan: The Rescue (Indie Rebels Book 5) Page 1
